Methods of and apparatus for straightening leads



United States Patent Inventor Charles It. Fegley Laureldale, Pennsylvania Appl. No. 728,928

Filed May 14, 1968 Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Assignee Western Electric Company, Incorporated New York, New York a corporation of New York METHODS OF AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING LEADS 18 Claims, 14 Drawing Figs.

U.S.Cl. 140/147 lnt.Cl B21! 1/02 Field of Search 140/140.

147; 72/15. C. Digest [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.144.889 8/1964 Cole 140/147 3,286,740 ll/l966 Fuchs et al .r l40/l47 Primary Examiner--- Lowell A. Larson Attorneys-H. J. Winegar, R. P. Miller and .I. L. Landis ABSTRACT: Methods oi and apparatus for straightening a lead extending upwardly from a diode subassernbly which is supported on a workholder wherein a pair of opposed members are moved into engagement with the lead and then upwardly to comb and straighten the lead. The workholder is indexed with the subassembly in contact with a stationary magnet to rotate and reorient the lead at each ofa plurality of subsequent positions along the magnet whereat the opposed members are sequentially moved into engagement with the lead to further straighten the lead.

Patented Nov. 24, 1970 3,542,087

Sheet 1 of? JAA/ENTUR C. R. PEEL 5 JTTURNEE Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet Patented Nov.

Sheet Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet Patented Nov. 24, 1970 3,542,087

Sheet 5 of 7 Sheet J lllll ll, 1. 1 I'll A N:

mWWWWWWWWWWWI 3 Patented Nov. 24, 1970 2st AVAILABLE con" METHODS OF AND APPARATUS FOR STRAIGHTENING LEADS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field ofthe Invention This invention relates to methods of an apparatus for straightening leads. and more particularly, to methods of and apparatus for sequentially engaging and combing a lead which has been reoriented at each of a plurality ofstraightening positions to straighten the lead.

2. Description ofthe Prior Art In the manufacture of scaled diode assemblies. a case subassembly is placed over a diode subassembly with an internal eold lead of the diode subassembly extending upwardly received in a tabulation of the case subassembly. In order to efficiently assemble the case to the diode subassembly. it ecomes important that the gold lead extending upwardly from the diode subnssembly be straightened prior to the assembly operation.

In the event that the gold wire lead is bent or has a nonlinear configuration. the descent of the case subasscmbly over the diode subassembly could permanently deform the gold wire lead. Moreover. the case subassembly could be deflected and inadvertently mispositioned within the apparatus and perhaps cause a malfunctioning ofthe apparatus.

Generally. as the diode subassemblies are received from prior stations in an overall assembly apparatus. the gold wire leads are relatively long and at random angles to the diode platform and are often curved or bent. Consideration must be given to the relatively small sizes of the gold wire lead and the stibassemblics in devising apparatuses for straightening the leads. Due to the inherent minute configurations ofthese components. it has become important that lead straightening apparatuses be ofsuch a nature to accurately and positively handle. while simultaneouslystraightening. the leads.

In addition to apparatuses for straightening leads which are available from analogous arts. there are some apparatuses which have been specifically designed for straightening leads of semiconductor devices. There are commercially available apparatuses which cut olTthe leads to a predetermined length and then straighten the leads to be approximately perpendiculnr to the diode platform so that the lead is alincd with the case \tthztssembly so that the lead may be inserted into the tubulatron.

For example. in one apparatus, a semiconductor element is advanced to a straightening station whereupon a pair of opposed jaws clamp about the gold wire lead after which thejaws are moved along the lead to comb and straighten the lead. In still another prior art apparatus. a semiconductor device is conveyed adjacent to an indexable turntable whereat one ofa plurality of magnets mounted about the periphery of the turntable attracts and holds the semiconductor device. Then the turntable is indexed to move the semiconductor device into and through a narrow space defined between the periphery of the turntable and a pressure block. During the ourncy of the diode along the confined space between the turntable and the pressure block. the lead of the diode is rotated and straightened by the inner action between the peripheral face ofthe turntable and the pressure block.

However. for high production quantities of diode assem lilies. there has theretofore been no apparatus which could quickly and sequentially perform a series of separate straightening operations on the same gold lead extending from the diode assembly. ln order to meet the demands for a high roduction of diode assemblies and at the same time ;ttlcquutc.y and efficiently straighten a minute gold lead extending from the diode subassembly. it is an object of this invention to provide improved methods of. and apparatus for. straightening leads.

in accordance with the requirements outlined hereinbel'ore II is also an object ofthis invention to provide methods ofand apparatus for straightening leads by advancing a plurality of .irtielcs having leads extending therefrom between opposed members which intermittently opened and closed into engagement with the leads to sequentially press and straighten the leads at various orientations along the line of travel of the diode assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With these and other objects in mind. the present invention contemplates methods of and apparatus for advancing a plu-- rality of articles each having an elongated lead extending therefrom, in seriatim between opposed members which are intermittently moved into engagement with and then along each of the article leads to straighten the leads as the articles are indexed between the opposed members to reposition the loads at each ofa plurality ofstraightening stations.

More particularly. methods are provided for indexing a plurality ofdiode subassemblies. each of which has a lead extending upwardly therefrom. and which are mounted in workholders Into a work station whereat opposed members are moved into engagement with the lead to press the lead and then moved In unison along the lead to comb and straighten the lead. Then the opposed members are opened and the article is indexed to reposition the lead between the opposed members which intermittently are moved again into engagement against the lead and then upwardly to straighten the lead. As the article is moved between the opposed members. the articles may be rotated so that the lead is oriented at various angles to the line of travel at each of a plurality of subsequent positions to enhance the further straightening of th lead.

Apparatus is provided which includes a conveyor for indexing a workholder having a plurality of leaded articles mounted thereon to position a leading one ofthe articles between a pair of opposed members. The opposed members are moved toward one another to engage the article therebetween. whcreafter the members are moved in unison along the lead to comb and straighten the lead. Then the opposed members are moved away from one another and the leading article is indcxed to reposition the lead of the article between the pair of opposed straightening members. The straightening members are moved against the lead to press-straighten the lead between the members and then upwardly to further straighten the lead. The straightening members are moved away from one another whereupon the article is indexed along and in contact with a magnetic bar to rotate the article and lead. As the article is indexed into each of a plurality of subsequent positions between the opposed straightening members. the lead of the article will assume a different orientation with respect to the line of travel. Subsequent movement of the straightening members toward one another and into engagement with the lead of the article and then upwardly in unison further straightens the lead in each of the assumed orientations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an elevational view. partially in section. of a completed diode assembly on which the principles of the methods of this invention are applied to straighten a lead appended to a diode subass'embly;

FIG. 2 is an exploded. elevational view. partially in section. and showing a case subassembly which is welded to a diode subassembly in order to manufacture the complete diode assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view. partially in section. of an apparatus which is used to carry out the principles of the methods ofthis invention to straighten a lead extending from a diode subassembly mounted on a workholder which has been moved into the apparatus with the lead positioned between a pair ol'opposed and notched rough straighteningjaws;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one ofthe workholders having a plurality of the diode subassemblics supportet thereon with the bottom portions of the stud leads exposed in a cutaway portion of the workholder and having a magnetic bar in contact with the platforms of the diode subassemhlies for imparting rotational forces to the gold leads as the work holder is advanced through the straightening station;

FIG. 5 is a plan view. partially cut away. of the apparatus shownin FIG.3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view. partially. in section. taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3 and showing a bearing block through which is connected a slide for supporting the straightening members with the other end of the slides connected to an actuating mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view. partially in section, and showing a push rod and slidably mounted guide rods which ex tend through a base plate ofthc apparatus and a bottom of an enclosure for operating the apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view. partially in section and taken along lines 88 of FIG. 3 showing a slidably mounted device which has a plurality of locking pins for clamping the stud leads of the diode subassemblies' in the workholders during the straightening operation;

FIG. 9 is a detail view of a final position between the straightening members to which the diode subassembly is advanccd whereat a test is made to determine whether or not a gold lead is attached to the diode subassembly at that position;

FIG. 10 through FIG. 13 illustrates a sequence ofoperation of the rough straightening jaws which are moved into engagement with the gold lead at a first position in the straightening station and which is in unison along the gold lead and finally out ofengagement with the gold lead and returned to an initial position immediately above a rough surface of the workholder;

FIG. 14 is a cam timing diagram showing cam contours which are used to actuate the push rods and guide rods to operate the apparatus in carrying out the principles of the method ofthis invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to FIG. 1. there is shown a perspective view of a sealed diode assembly 20. The diode assembly comprises a case subassembly.'designated generally by the numeral 21. assembled to a diode subassembly, designated generally by the numerals 22 (see exploded view in FIG. 2). The case subassembly 21 comprises a diode casing 23. having a hollow paramagnetic tubulation 24 extending from within a glass seal 25 in the casing and upwardly therefrom. A lower edge of the casing 23 is formed with a flange 26. The diode subassembly 22 comprises a semiconductor element 27 mounted on a platform 28 and having a gold lead 29 extending upwardly therefrom and a stud lead 30 extending downwardly from the platform.

Prior to the assembly of the diode subassembly 22 to the casing subassembly 2| by welding the flange 26 to the platform 28. the gold lead 29 extending upwardly from the platform must be straightened. Moreover, provisions must be made for detecting the presence ofa gold lead 29 on each ofa plurality of spaced. successively advanced diode subassemhlies 22. In the event that any of the diode subassemblies is missing a gold lead 29. it is important that a case subassembly 21 not be welded to the diode subassembly; otherwise. malfunctioning of equipment may occur due to incomplete diode assemblies.

ln carrying out the principles of the method of this invention. an apparatus. such as that shown in FIG. 3. and designated generally by the numerals 40. may be employed. The apparatus which is part of an overall apparatus for asscrtthling a diode subassembly and case subassembly. is positioned lVLl' a conveyor. designated generally by the numerals 41. The conveyor 41 comprises a bed plate 42 which is mounted on a base plate 43 of the apparatus 40. A pair of spaced and parallel side guide plates 44 (see also FIG. 5) are attached to and extend upwardly from the bed plate 42.

A plurality of workholders. designated generally by the numerals 46 (see FIG. 4) are placed end to end between the side plates 44 and supported on the bed plate 42 (see FIG. 5).

EST AXAILABLE COPY Each of the workholders 46 comprises an elongated bar 47 having a plurality of apertures 48 formed therein with each of the apertures terminating in a top surface 49 of the elongated bar. Each of the workholders 46 supports a plurality of diode s'c'bassemblies 22 with the platform 28 of each of the diode subassemblies resting on the top surface 49 ofthe elongated bar 47. The stud leads 30 of each of the diode subasscmblies 22 are received in one of the apertures 48 in the elongated bar 47. Moreover, a lower portion of the elongated bar 47 is provided with a cutaway portion 45 (see FIG. 4) to expose the bottom portions ofthe stud leads 30 (see FIG. 3). In addition. the elongated bar 47 is formed with a plurality of vertical grooves 51 along the vertical side surfaces thereof (sec FIGS 4 and 5). I

In order to advance the workholders 46 through the lead straightening apparatus 40 to position successively each of the diode subassemblics within the apparatus. an indexing mechanism. designated generally by the numerals 53. is used (see FIG. 5). The indexing mechanism 53 includes an air cylinder 54 having a piston 56 extending from the cylinder to a common slider 57. A pawl 58 is attached to the common slider 57 and engage with successive. spaced vertical grooves 51 in the side of the elongated bar 47. Since the workholders 46 are placed end to end within the conveyor 41. the advance of the workholder engaged by the pawl 58 moves all the workholders toward and through the lead straightening apparatus 40.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. each of the diode subassemblies 22 is advanced by the indexing mechanism 53 to position the gold lead 29 of the leading diode subassembly between a first straightening member. designated generally by the numerals 61. and a second straightening member. designated generally by the numerals 62. Each of the straightening members 61 and 62 has a rough straightening jaw or finger 63 and 64. respectively. having a notch or V- shaped groove 65. Also. each of the rough straightening jaws is formed from sheet stock and has a thickness which is small in comparison to its width and length.

In addition. each of the straightening members 61 and 62 has an elongated fine straightening bar 66 having a polished. vertical side surface 67. In operation. each successive diode subassembly 22 is advanced to position the gold lead 29 between the rough straighteningjaws 63 and then successively to a plurality ofdifferently oriented positions between the fine straightening bars 66 (see positions designated 29a through 293 FIG. 6). Also. as can best be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5. while the straightening jaws 61 and 62 are alined horizontally. the straighteningjaws are spaced vertically so that when the rough straightening jaws 63 and 64 are moved toward one another. the rough straightening jaws overlap with one another to capture the gold lead 29 within the V-shaped grooves 65 (see FIG. 6). g

In order to support the straightening members 61 and 62 for movement into engagement with the gold lead 29 of each successive diode subassembly 22. a frame. designated generally by the numerals 68. and having a pair ofspaced brackets 69 is provided (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Each of the brackets 69 has a bore 70 formed therethrough. A yoke 71. having a pair of spaced. vertical bores 72 (see FIG. 6) formed therein. is positioned under the brackets 69 so that the bores 70 in the brackets 69 are alined with the bores 72 in the yoke. The yoke 71 is slidably mounted on spaced. vertical rods 73 which are received within the alined bores 70 and 72. In this way. the yoke 71 is slidably movable for a predetermined distance in a vertical direction along the rods 73 and is limited by the yoke engaging the underside of the brackets 69 on the stationary frame 68.

A bearing block 74 is attached to the yoke 71 and has an upper passageway 76 formed therethrough. A slide 77 is received in the passageway 76 in the bearing block 74 and extends past the yoke 71 and over the conveyor 41 for supporting the first straightening member 61 (sec FIGS. 3 and 5).. The first straightening member 61 is supported on a hangar 78 which is attached to the slide 77.

Similarly. a second passageway 79 is formed in the bearing block 74 for receiving a second slide 81. The second slide 81 extends past the right-hand face of the bearing clock 74, as viewed in FIG. 3, to support the second straightening member 62.

The upper slide 77 extends past the left-hand end of the hearing block 74, as viewed in .FIG. 3, and is attached to a block 82 which in turn is pinned to a link 83. The link 83 is also pinned to an upper end of a lever 84. The lever 84 is rotatably mounted on a fulcrum pin 86 which is threadably secured in a bore 85 in the yoke 71, (see FIG. 5) and has a lower end pinned to a second link 87. The right-hand end of the second link 87, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 6, is connected to a block 88 with a pin 80. The block 88 in turn is attached to an underside ofthe second slide 81 which projects from the lower assageway 79 in the bearing clock 74 (see FIG. 6).

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 6, it can be seen that the hlock 88 and slide 81 have bores 89 and 90 formed respectively thercthrough for receiving a vertical pin 91. The upper end of the vertical pin 91 is positioned loosely within the bore 89. The lower end of the pin 91 is received within a bore 92 in the clamping block 93 and secured therein by a set screw 94. The clamping block 93 is slidably movable to the right and to the left, as viewed in FIG. 3, along a top surface of the base plate 43.

In order to move the clamping block 93, the left end of the clamping block, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 8, is joined to a link )6 with a pin 95 which in turn is pinned to a lower end of a crank lever 97 with a pin 100. The crank lever 97 is rotatably movable about a pin 98 extending from a standard 105 (see FIG. 5) with the other free end ofthe crank lever pinned to an eye 99 formed in an upper end ofa turn buckle 101 which is attached to a push-pull rod 102. The push-pull rod 102 exlends through an opening 103 in the base plate 43 and has a lower end thereof riding on a cam 104 which rotates on a cam shaft I06.

Moreover, in order to prevent contamination of the various parts of the article to be assembled, the apparatus of the present invention, as well as other apparatuses used in assembling the diode, are enclosed with a hood (not shown) above the base plate 43. In order to maintain this contaminant-free atmosphere and yet be able to actuate the mechanisms for the various apparatus from a common cam shaft 106 located beneath the base plate 43, the push-pull rod 102, as well as each of the guide rods 73, is received in a bellows 107 which is concentrically disposed about the push-pull rod and guide rods.

The bellows 107 is attached at an upper end thereof to a flanged coupling 108 (see FIG. 7) which is attached to the underside of an enclosure plate 109. A lower end of the bellows 107 is similarly attached to a coupling 110 (see FIG. 7) which is mounted above the cam shaft 106, and the cam shafts 109 (see FIG. 3) for moving the guide rods 73. In this way, as the push-pull rod 102 and the guide rods are moved vertically up and down, the bellows 107 are contracted and expanded thereupon permitting actuation ofthe mechanisms without exosing the enclosed apparatuses to contaminates.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 8, the clamping block 93 has attached to a right-hand end thereof, a housing 111 having a plurality of spaced, stepped, parallel bores 112. A compression spring 113 is received in the large diameter portions of each of the bores 112 and bears against one end of a-Iocking pin 114 which is slidably movable within a passageway 115 in the frame 68. Each of the locking pins 114 has a stem 116 which extends through one of the small diameter portions of the stcp ed bore 112 and is threadably secured to a retaining collar 117. The clamping block 93 has a cutout portion 118 for receiving the end of the stem 116 and retaining collar 117 when the stem is pushed out ofthc stepped bore 112 to the lef as viewed in FIG. 3.

When the clamping block 93 is moved to the right, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 8. the housing 111 moves over the locking pins 114 so that the annular portion 119 of the stepped bores 112 compress the spring 113 to urge the locking pins to the left to protrude through guide bores in the frame 68 and past a front face ofa housing 111 into the cutout portion of the workholder 46 in position for the straightening operation to engage and clamp the gold leads 29. As the housing 111 slides over the locking pins 114, the retaining collars 117 and the ends of the stems 116 of the locking pins are moved away from a common left-hand face ofthe housing and into the cutout portions 118 ofthc clamping block 93,

It should be apparent from the foregoing description that while the clamping block 93 and the locking pins 114 associated therewith are mounted for horizontal sliclable move ment only, the yoke 71 is free to move vertically along the guide rods 73. The slides 77 and 81, as well as the bearing clock 74, move with the yoke 71 vertically; the block 8? moves vertically along the pin 91.

In order to detect the presence or absence of a gold lead 29 on each of the diode subassemblies 22, the ends of the straightening members 61 and 62 opposite to the ends on which are mounted the rough straightening jaws 63 and 64, are modified to constitute a detector station. Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 9, it is seen that an end 121 of the straightening member 61 has a copper contactor 122, electrically insulated from jaw 61 and resiliently mounted thereon. As the straightening members 61 and 62 are moved toward one another and ifthere is no gold lead in position 29g, as shown in FIG. 6, the copper contactor 122 engages a pair of spaced Teflon pads 123 which are mounted on an end 124 of the straightening member 62.

On the other hand, ifa gold lead 29 has been advanced into and successively through each of the previous six positions (see FIG. 6) for pressing and combing, and is now supported on a workholder 46 between the copper contactor 122 and the pads 123, then, when the jaws 61 and 62 are closed, the con' tactor engages the gold lead. Moreover, the gold lead 29 also contacts a steel pad 127 to complete an electrical circuit (not shown) and may establish a memory in a commercially available shift register (not shown) which sends a signal through the register as the diode subassembly 22 is indexed through the apparatus, or the completion of the circuit may be used to operate an indicating device. In the event that no gold lead 29 is attached to a subassembly, then, when that subassembly reaches a welding station such as that disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,294,948, the signal from the shift register prevents operation of an escapement mechanism (not shown) so that '10 casing is welded to the lcadless subassem ly.

In order to reposition each ofthe diode subassemblies 22 as the workholder 46 is moved indexablyalong the conveyor 41 to reorient each of the gold leads 29 with respect to thc fine straightening members 66. a magnetic strip 128 is provided (see FIGS. 4 and 10 through 13). The magnetic strip 128 is attached to the frame 68 so that a vertical edge of the strip is in constant contact with and exerts a magnetic force on a plurality ofplatforms 28 ofthe diode subassemblies 22 so as to rotate th diode subassemblies which are being advanced through the apparatus 40.

OPERATION In the operation of the apparatus hereinbefore described for carrying out the principles of the method of this invention, a plurality ofworkholders 46, each ofwhich supports a plurality of diode subassemblies 22, are placed end to end in a conveyor 41 so that the workholders are supported on a bed plate 42. As the workholders are supplied to the conveyor 41, one of the workholders is positioned so that the pawl 58 ofthc indexing mechanism 53 are engaged with adjacent vertical grooves 51 in the side surface of that workholder which is currently in position along side of the indexing mechanism.

A cyclically operated valve (not shown) operated by a cam on the constantly rotating shaft 106 is operated to supply to the cylinder 54 to move the piston 56 out of the cylinder to push the common slider 57 and the pawl 58 to index the workholder 46 currently along side the indexing mechanism 53 advances all the workholders to, and then through, the lead straightening apparatus 40. During dwells in the cyclic operation of the indexing device, the straightening devices is operated.

As a leading one of the diode subassemblies 22 in the workholder 46 is indexed into the apparatus 40, the leading subassembly is positioned between the opposed straightening jaws 63 and 64 (position 29a, see FIG. 6) of the first and second opposed straightening members 61 and 62, respectively, so that the gold lead 29 is alined with the V-shaped grooves 65 (see FIG. 10).

Then. as the cam shaft 106 is rotated to turn the cam 104, the push-pull rod 102 is moved upwardly, as viewed in FIG. 3, to rotate the crank lever 97 in a counterclockwise direction. As the crank lever 97 is rotated counterclockwise, the lower end of the crank lever which is pinned to the link 96 moves the link to the right, as viewed in FIG. 3, to move the clamping block 93 and urge the housing 111 over the locking pins 114. The movement of the housing 111 tends to compress the springs 113 and push the locking pins 114 out of the guide bores 115 and engage each of the locking pins with one of the exposed stud leads 30 in the workholder 46. As the pins 114 engage and clamp the leads against the wall of the cutaway section of the workholder, further movement of the housing 111 results in compressing of the spring 113. ln this way, as the leads 29 are combed, the diode subassemblies 22 are retained in the workholder 46 by the spring forces acting on pins l 14.

As the clamping block 93 is moved to the right, the vertical pin 91 is moved long therewith. The horizoa 't' movement of the pin 91 advances the block 88 and, r he bottom -"sond slide 81 to the right to thcreup." the rough straightening jaw 64 toward the gold leaw 2 rlhe leading one of the diode subassemblies 22. Moreover, as the vertical pin 91 and block 88 are moved horizontally to the right, the block exerts a pulling force on the link 87 which, in turn, urges the lever 84 about the fulcrum pin 86 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in H0. 3.

As the lever 84 is rotated counterclockwise about the fulerum pin 86, the link 83 is moved to the left, as viewed in H0. 3. to pull the block 82 and the upper slide 77 to the left. As the second slide 77 is moved to the left, as viewed in FIG. 3, the rough straightening jaw 63 is moved simultaneously with the rough straightening jaw 64 toward the gold lead 29. As can best he seen in H0. 11, the further movement of the slide 77 and 81 eventually move the rough straightening jaws 63 and 64 simultaneously along paths designated A in overlapping relationship with one another to engage and capture the gold lead 290 within the V-shapcd grooves 65.

Further rotation ofa cam shaft turns other cams 109 to raise the guide rods 73 upwardly, as viewed in FIG. 3. As the guide rods 73 are 'moved upwardly, the yoke 71. together with the hearing block 74 and slides 81 and 77, are also pushed up wardly to mo e the overlapped rough straightening jaws 63 and 64 in unison along the gold lead 29a to comb and straighten the lead (see path B H0. 12). The upward movement of the straightening member 61 and 62 is halted when the yoke 71 engages the brackets 69.

As can best be seen from the timing diagram in F10. 14, the cams 106 and 109 are then rotated to lower the push-pull rod 102 and the guide rods 73, respectively. As the push-pull rod 102 is ulled downwardly, the crank lever 97 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in H6. 3, to pull the link 96 and the clamping block 93 to the left. As the clamping block )3 is pulled to the left, the housing 111 is moved therewith to relieve .he compressive forces against the springs 113 and to move the common left vertical edge of the housing 111, as VlC Cd in H6. 3, into engagement with the retaining collars 117. The continued movement ofthc clamping block 93 urges musing 111 to exert a pulling force through the retaining collars 117 on the stems 116 to move the locking pins 114 out of engagement with the stud leads 30 in the cutout portion ofthe rkholder 46.

.581 AVAILABLE COPY Simultaneously, the pin 9Tis moved to the left along with the clamping block 93 to push block 88 and the link 87 against the lever 84 to rotate the lever in a clockwise direction. As the pin 91 is moved to the left, the slide 81 is moved along therewith to pull rough straightening jaw 64 out of enga ment with the gold lead 29. Moreover, as the lever 84 rotates clockwise, a pushing force is exerted through the link 83 and block 82 against the slide 77 to move horizontally to the right (as viewed in'FlG. 3) the rough straightening jaw 63 out of overlapping engagement with the straightening jaw 64 and with the gold lead 29 (see paths designated C, H6. 13).

Simultaneously, as the guide rods 73 are lowered on the cams 109, the yoke 71 and bearing block 74 are moved downwardly to return the straightening members 61 and 62 to an initial position (see paths designated D, H0. 13) with the straightening jaws 63 and 64 slightly above the junction of the gold lead 29 with the semi-conductor element 27 (see FIGv 13).

in recapitulation, it will be observed from FIGS. 10 through 13 that the motion of each ofthe straighteningjaws 63 and 6 describes a rectangle with a first horizontal stroke, designated A, followed by a vertical stroke 8, a second horizontal stroke C, and a downward vertical stroke D to complete the path o motion.

At this time, the indexing mechanism 53 is actuated to move the next successive diode subassembly 22 into position between the rough straighteningjaws 63 and 64 (position 290. FIG. 6). As the next successive diode subassembly 22 i moved into the first straighlcninr wsition between the rough straighteningjaws 63 and 64, the leading one of the diode suhassemblies is advanced to a second straightening position (position 2%, HO. 6) between the fine straightening member 66 and 67. As the leading diode subassembly 22 is advanced. the magnetic strip 128, which is in contact with the platform 28, exerts magnetic drag forces on the diode subasscmbly to rotate the subassembly (see HO. 4) so that the gold lead 29 of the leading diode subassembly has a different orientation with respect to the line oftravel of the workholder 46.

The previously described cycle ofoperation is repeated with the rough straightening jaws 63 and 64 being moved, as shown in the sequence of FIGS. 10 through 13, to comb and straighten the lead 29 of the next successive diode subassembly 22. Moreover, as before the elongated fine straighten ing members 66 and 67, which are fixedly mounted on the straightening members 61 and 62, respectively, are also moved toward one another and into engagement with the leading one of the diode subassemblies, now at position 291:. to press and further straighten the gold lead 29. Then, as the yoke 71 and bearing block 74 are moved upwardly, the fine straightening members 66 and 67 are moved along therewith to comb the lead 290 of the leading one of the diode suhassemblies 22 as the rough straightening members 63 and 6 simultaneously are moved upwardly along the gold lead of the next successive diode subassembly.

This cycle of operation is repeated with each of the diode subassemblies 22 combed and straightened first with the rough straightening jaws 63 and 64 (position 290, HO. 6) and then at each of the five successive positions, (positions 29b through 29], FIG. 6) between the straightening members 66 and 67. Moreover, as each of the diode subassemblies is ad vanccd into each of the successive positions between the straightening members 61 and 62, the magnetic strip 12? rotates the diode subassemblies so that the gold lead 29 is reoriented at each of the five succeeding straightening stations (see FIG. 4).

An apparatus for carrying out the principles of the method of this invention may also include a cutting device (not shown) mounted on the straightening members 61 and 62 at position 29]. Then, when the diode subassembly 22 is clamped and held at position 29f, the fine straightening members 66 and 67 are moved into pressing engagement with the lead 2 and the cutting device (not shown) shears any excessive length ofmaterial from the lead. in this way. the length of the gold leads is maintained withinacccptable tolerance va t trons.

s am it will be recalled that prior to each ofthe pressing and comhing steps. the stud leads 30 are clamped in the workholder 46 to Prevent the diode subassemblies from being lifted out ofthe workholdcr when the straightening members are moved upwardly. it is possible that because of deficient connections of the gold leads 29 to the semiconductor elements 27, that when lht gold leads are combed. the gold lead could become disconnected from the semiconductor element. Moreover. it is possible that one of the diode subassemblies could be placed in the workholder 46 and have no gold lead 29. After the gold loads 29 have been straightened in the apparatus 40, the diode stthasscmblies 22 are advanced to a subsequent station, which was described in U.S. Pat. No. 3.294.948 issued Dec. 27. 1966. whereat a casing 23 is welded to the platform 28 ofthc diode subassembly 22. 21

if a diode subassembly 22 having a gold lead 29 is advanced into position 29g. as shown in FIG. 6, then, when the straightening members 61 and 62 are closed on the next cycle, the copper contactor 122 engages the gold lead. In addition, as the fine straightening member 67 is moved to the right as viewed in FIG. 5. the steel contact 127 also engages the gold lead 29 to complete an electrical circuit through the copper corttttctor. When the electrical circuit is completed, a shift rctster may be energized to operate an escapement mechanism tnot shown) to supply a casing 23 to the diode subassembly 22 now in position 7 (FIG. 6) when that diode subassembly is adzmccd into the assembly position.

On the other hand. if there is no gold lead 29 on the diode subassembly 22 which is advanced into position 7 (FIG. 6). then. when the straightening members 61 and 62 are closed. the copper contactor 122 merely engages the Teflon pads 123. \'o electrical circuit is completed and no signal stored in the shill register so that when the diode subassembly. now in position 7 (FlG. 6), is advanced into the assembly position, the cscttpcmcnt mechanism (not shown) will not be operated. and no casing will be supplied to the diode subassembly.

It is to be understood that the above-identified embodiments are simply illustrative ofthc principles of the invention and numerous other modifications may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. in a method of straightening a wirelike member appended to an article:

alternately moving opposed straightening elements in pressing engagement and then moving said straightening elements along said wirelike member; and

repositioning in different orientations the wire-like member between each straightening movement of said elements to present different sections ofsaid wirelike7 member to be acted upon by said opposed straightening elements. 2. in a method of straightening a plurality of leads: cyclically moving opposed straightening members. in pressing engage- Llll with said leads and then along said leads; and reposition rug in different orientations the leads between successive \traightcning movements of said members to present different ections of said leads to he acted upon by said opposed straightening members.

3. In a method of straightening a plurality of leads. as tiCfiiiCd in claim 2. further including the step of: holding said leads from movement with said opposed members along said leads.

4. in a method of straightening a plurality of leads, as defined in claim 2. where the repositioning step comprises: tztting the leads relative to the opposed members when said it-tttls are not pressed between said members.

5. ln a method of using an opposed pair of members to raighten a plurality oflcads:

cyclically moving the opposed members into and out of pressing engagement along a series ofsaid leads;

cyclically advancing the series ofleads along a path between said members while said members are out of engagement with said leads to reposition in different orientations the leads between successive straightening movements of said members to present different sections of said leads to be acted upon by said members; and

EST AVAIIfiBLE COPY cyclically moving sensing elements into the path of the advancing, straightened leads to indicate the presence of each straightened lead.

6. in a method of straightening a plurality of leads. each of which is appended to an article:

suspending a plurality ofsaid articles into a workholder with the leads exposed and sections ofsaid articles exposed; cyclically advancing said workholder to incrementally move each lead into a succeeding series of leads which are posi tioned between-a pair ofopposed straightening members; cyclically straightening the leads positioned between the opposed straightening members by:

clamping each ofsaid exposed sections of a series of articles positioned between the opposed straightening members: moving said opposed members into pressing engagement with the series of leads positioned between said opposed straightening members; W

sliding said opposed members in unison along the series of leads;

removing said opposed members from engagement with said leads;

releasing the series ofarticles; and

engaging each straightened lead that has been advanced following the last straightening operation to indicate the presence of the straightened lead.

7. In a method of straightening a plurality of leads each of which is appended to an article, as set forth in claim 6. and further the step of: simultaneously rotating said articles as said articles are advanced intermittently between said straightening members to place said leads in different orientations at each ofsaid positions.

8. in an apparatus for straightening a wirelike member appended to an article:

means mounted for movement into and then out of pressing engagement with said wirelikc member for straightening said wirelike member: means for cyclically moving said straightening means into and then out ofengagement with said wirelike member;

means rendered effective while said straightening means is in engagement with said wirelike member for moving said straightening means along said wirelike member; and

means operable when said straightening means have been moved out of engagement with said wirelike member for moving said article to reorient said wirelike member with respect to said straightening means to expose a different surface of the wirelike member to the straightening means.

9. in an apparatus for straightening a plurality of leads:

opposed means for straightening said leads;

means mounting said opposed means for movement into and out of pressing engagement with said leads and for movement along said leads; and

means for cyclically moving said opposed means into pressing engagement with said leads for repositioning and reorienting said leads to present different sections of said lead to said straightening means.

10. in an apparatus for straightening a plurality of leads:

a first straightening member;

a second straightening member opposed to and spaced from said first straightening member;

means mounting said members for movement toward each other in a first plane and for movement in unison in a second plane transverse to said first plane;

means for supporting and cyclically indexing said leads between said members to successively reposition said leads as said leads advance between the straightening members;

means operative following each cyclic operation of said indexing means for moving said straightening members toward each other into pressing engagement with said leads and for then moving said straightening members n unison along said leads; and

means for detecting the presence of each lead which has been straightened by said straightening members.

EST AVAlLABLE CO ll. In an apparatus for straightening a plurality of leads as set forth in claim and further including:

said means for indexing said plurality ofleads includes:

a plurality of workholders for supporting a plurality of said leads;

means for advancing said workholders intermittently and between said opposed straightening members while said member are spaced apart; and

means for holding said leads in said workholder while said straightening members are moved along the leads.

12. In an apparatus for straightening a plurality of leads as set forth in claim 10 and further including: means rendered effective upon said indexing means repositioning said leads for rotating said leads to further reorient said leads at successive positions between said opposed straightening members.

13. In an apparatus for straightening a plurality of leads. as set forth in claim 12, wherein: said rotating means includes a magnetic bar positioned beneath and spaced from said straightening members to contact and impart rotational forces to the leads as the leads are indexed.

l4. ln an apparatus for straightening leads extending from a series of articles;

a pair ofslides mounted for reciprocating movement toward and away from each other to move straightening faces into close proximity to each other;

an opposed pair ofjaws extending from said slides in offset relationship to overlap upon said slides being moved into proximity with each other, said jaws having notches formed therein to define a confined opening upon said jaws being moved into overlapping relation;

means mounting said slides for movement transverse to said reciprocating movement;

means for cyclically advancing a series of said leads between said slides;

means rendered effective following each advance of said lead advancing means for imparting a reciprocatory movement to said slides to press one lead between said jaws and other leads between the straightening faces; and

means rendered effective upon said slides moving to press said leads for imparting said transverse movement to said slides to straighten the leads.

15. In an apparatus as defined in claim 14, means for rotating each of said leads during advance between said slides.

[6. In an apparatus at a work station for straightening leads appended to articles:

a first straightening means having a first V-shaped notched straightening element and a planar straightening surface;

a second straightening means opposed to said first straightening means and having a second V-shaped notched element offset from said first V-shaped notched element and a planar straightening surface;

means mounting said straightening means for movement toward each other and for movement laterally thereof and along said leads;

means for conveying a plurality of said articles to position each succeeding lead between said V-shapcd notched elements and then between said planar straightening surfaces;

means cyclically operable for moving said straightening means toward each other to overlap said notched elemerits and capture the lead of each succeeding article advanced between said straightening means;

means cyclically operable for sliding said straightening means in unison along said leads and for then moving said straightening means out of engagement with said leads; and

means responsive to the moving of said straightening means other sections ofthe articles dependin from the workholder;

a pair of opposed sltdes mounte for first rectprocatory movement toward and away from each other for second reciprocatory movement transverse to said first reciprocatory movement. said opposed slides having facing surfaces positioned to engage and straighten lends projecting from said workholder;

a plurality of spring loaded contactors positioned in alinement with said depending sections of said articles positioned between said straightening su rfaces:

means for imparting snid first and second rcciprocatory movements to said slides to move said slides and straightening surfaces to engage and move along said leads and then disengage said leads and return to their initial positions; and

means rendered effective during movement ofsaid slides for moving said spring loaded contactors to engage and hold the alined depending sections from movement with said straightening surfaces.

18. In an apparatus for feeding stud lead assemblies and straightening wire leads each of which is connected to a semiconductor element mounted on a stud lead assembly comprising:

a guideway;

a series of workholders positioned in said guideway for supporting a number ofthe stud lead assemblies;

means for periodically feeding said workholders along said guideway to'position successively the supported stud lead assemblies at one of a series of work locations before moving onto the next work location;

straightening means having,

l. a pair of spaced V-shaped straightening jaws at an initial work location ofsaid series of work locations; and 2. a pair ofspaced straightening bars spanning subsequent work locations; meansfor cyclically moving the straightening means into engagement with wire leads, along the wire leads away from the stud lead assemblies and thereafter disengaging the wire leads;

a series of pins for engaging the stud lead assemblies;

means for moving said seriesof pins to engage the stud lend assemblies during the movement of the straightening means along the wire leads and for disengaging said series of pins when the straightening means disengages the wire leads; and

means operative after the straightening means disengagcs the wire leads and the series of pins disengages the stud lead assemblies for rotating each stud assembly as it titlvanced to the next work location.

fig? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,5 7 Dated November 2 4, 1970 Inventor(s) Charles R. Fegley It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 6, line 16 "clock" should be --block-- a line 57, "th" should be -the--. Col. 9, line lb, after cancel "21",- line 49, after "like cancel -7--; line 69, after "leads" insert --to straighten said leads--. Col. 12, line 20, "aline" should be "align".

Claim 1 should be set out as follows:

1. In a method of straightening a wirelike member appendex to an article:

alternately moving opposed straightening elements in pressing engagement and then moving said straightening elements along said wirelike member; and

repositioning in different orientations the wirelike member between each straightening movement of said elements to present differs sections of said wirelike member to be acted upon by said opposed straightening elements.

Signed and sealed this 27th day of June 1 972.

( SEAL Attest:

EDWARD M.FLE'ICHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSGHALK attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

